By any metric used, pedestrian accidents throughout the State of Florida are on the rise. Orlando, in particular, has the dubious distinction of continuously ranking among the top ten most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians, according to the Dangerous by Design report released each year by Smart Growth America. For the victim of an Orlando pedestrian accident, knowing what to do next is the key to ensuring that you fully recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
What You Need to Know About Orlando Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrian accidents have decreased dramatically in many countries over the last several decades, they continue to increase in the United States – and Florida routinely tops the list of states with the most pedestrian accidents. The most recent report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows an estimated 899 pedestrian fatalities for 2021 in Florida, representing a 25 percent increase over the previous year. Florida also has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate in the nation at 4.13 fatalities per 100,000 people. Orlando is ranked 8th among the most dangerous metropolitan cities for pedestrians according to the 2022 Dangerous by Design report. While that ranking is certainly an improvement over Orlando’s number one spot the previous year, it still indicates that pedestrians on the streets of Orlando are at high risk for serious injury.
What to Do after an Orlando Pedestrian Accident
If you are injured in an Orlando pedestrian accident, knowing the steps you should take during the minutes, days, and weeks afterward is crucial to treating your physical and emotional injuries and ensuring that you are fully compensated if the negligent or wrongful conduct of another party (or parties) contributed to your injuries. Following an Orlando pedestrian accident, take the following steps to protect yourself and your future:
- Call 911. Often, a bystander will contact the police when they witness a pedestrian accident; however, call 911 yourself if you are able to make sure the police are called out to the scene. Not only should this trigger medical help, but it will potentially preserve vital evidence needed to pursue an at-fault driver. A few days after the accident, get a copy of the police report for your files and show it to your attorney if you pursue a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
- Get your injuries evaluated. Always have your injuries evaluated immediately after a pedestrian accident. If you are not transported by ambulance, get to the nearest emergency room for a thorough examination. Some of the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries do not present obvious symptoms right after an accident. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), for example, may not be apparent for hours (even days) after the injury while a victim’s brain continues to swell in the meantime.
- Document the accident. Calling the police will ensure that a police report is filed. Hopefully, that report includes names and contact information for the drivers of vehicles and witnesses; however, you should not count on that. When you are able to do so, check for witnesses from nearby stores or businesses and get their information. Also, take photos and/or video of the accident scene. If roadway design or construction played a role in the accident (intersection lacks proper lighting, lacked a crosswalk, or was under construction), be sure to capture that in your pictures/video.
- Consult with Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys before talking to an insurance company. You may be contacted by the insurance company for the motorist who hit you shortly after the accident. Before speaking to an insurance adjuster (or anyone else), contact an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your rights and the potential compensation you may be entitled to for all your injuries. Not only is it likely that you are entitled to more than the amount an insurance adjuster is likely to offer you right after the accident, but the motorist who hit you may not be the only potential party at fault. If roadway design or maintenance contributed to the collision, the city, county, or state government may also share in the liability.
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member were injured in an Orlando pedestrian accident, you could be entitled to compensation from the party (or parties) whose negligent or wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the accident. That includes compensation for your physical injuries and emotional trauma. At Bailey Fisher, we have both the experience and the resources needed to investigate pedestrian accidents and make sure all at-fault parties are held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim.
Call us at 407-628-2929 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys will evaluate your case for free. For viable personal injury cases, we will follow up with the necessary legal action to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence and recover the financial compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and losses.
